Masco girls swim team preparing for Sectionals after placing second at CAL meet

Friday

Feb 9, 2018 at 11:55 AMFeb 10, 2018 at 10:05 PM

By Katelin Kim / tritown.sports@wickedlocal.com

The Masco girls swimming and diving team was able to maintain an undefeated record the whole season and headed to the Cape Ann League championship meet, where the Chieftains were able to showcase their dynamics and skill.

Masco placed second overall as a school. The girls placed second, and the boys placed third. Along with the hard work they put into this season, the team’s morale contributed to their success.

"Our team spirit throughout the entire season has been so positive and we've been so supportive of each other that it's probably been the biggest factor that we are undefeated," said junior swimmer Shannon Gerspach.

The girls were all proud of their accomplishments and were beyond excited to advance to States and Sectionals. The team is looking forward to giving their best performances at those higher levels.

"I was so happy for everybody [at the CALs]. The team deserved it because we all worked so hard in and out of the pool," said junior swimmer Ann Walsh.

Senior captains Olivia Piacentini, Grace Elwood, and Jennie Bankes led the team strongly leading up to CALs. They were not only able to witness their own individual successes but witness their swimming family succeed as well.

"All three girls led both in the pool and on the pool deck," said swim coach Ben Hanchett. "They are some of the fastest girls on the team, but also some of the most encouraging and supportive ladies on the team as well."

The team bond that the swimmers formed and have presented to other school teams showed the true colors of Masco’s athletes. With swimmers cheering each other on and encouraging each other not to give up, the team was able to perform better at every race.

"The captains continuously make me laugh throughout tough practices and they know how to pick me up when I have a terrible race," said Walsh. "There’s no one else that I would want to see at 5 a.m. in the morning at Gordon College to go jump in a freezing cold pool with."

A few swimmers in particular were praised for the progress they’ve made this season as well as for their admired characteristics, which have contributed to the morale of the team.

"One swimmer that stuck out to me this year was Annie Walsh," said Bankes. "She has a ‘never quit’ attitude and pushes herself every day. Just about every meet this year, she has swam the 500 yard freestyle, the hardest event, and never failed to impress."

The upcoming closure of the season does not mean an end to swimming for Bankes, who will be graduating this year. She will be continuing to fulfill her passion with the NCAA Division 1 Providence College swim team. This opportunity was one she was confident with taking, for Bankes could never see a future without the sport.

"Swimming has made me the person I am today," she said. "The sport has taught me to be mentally tough, resilient, driven and respectful to anyone who dedicates significant time to achieve a goal."

The swim team has made a huge impact on Bankes and has created her countless irreplaceable memories throughout her high school career.

"I have had an incredibly positive experience on the Masco swim team," she said. "It has been a challenge balancing school, high school swim and my club team, but I would do it the same if I had to do it again."